A Molinillo

The molinillo [moh-lee-NEE-yoh] is a Mexican wood whisk / handmill / stirrer. It is made of turned wood and is used to froth warm drinks such as hot chocolate, Atole, and Champurrado.

Chocolate drinks made from the seeds of cacao trees played a significant role in the lives of the ancient people of Mexico. They poured them from one cup into another since the “spirit of the drink” was said to be in the froth. Wooden Molinillos are used today to froth hot drinks by placing the handle between your palms and rotating the mandrel in a pot of hot chocolate. The twisting motion of the rings froths the milk.